CAMDEN — Steve Pixley, Camden’s harbor master, is anticipating a busy summer on the waterfront, and one aspect of that working harbor got well organized more than a month ago: The Camden Day Sailers Association, comprising the seven boat owners who have permits to run Penobscot Bay cruises aboard sailboats and power launches out of Camden Harbor, are meeting regularly to keep the day sailer system at full steam.

This year is the first time that the Camden Select Board has issued all seven day sailer permits, primarily because the seven vessels all happen to fit nicely on the harbor dock space designated for them. 

The day sailers include the Olad, Lazy Jack, Lively Lady, Surprise, Heritage, Owl and Sally. Some power under sail, others by motor, and all go out on a daily schedule from the Camden Harbor Landing.

Camden’s inner harbor is tightly configured and is a coveted place for boaters — recreational, fishing, and commercial — and it is an art to logistically direct the vessels in and out without rubbing up against each other. Much of that falls under Pixley’s purview and he juggles all interests accordingly, with finesse, and sometimes even with a song. He is one of Maine’s few harbor masters, if only harbor master, who can’t help but break out singing when all is going well.

In addition to the seven day sailer skippers, who take guests out on hourly, or longer, cruises, there are six windjammer owners holding permits to dock at the head of the harbor. They generally take guests up and down the coast for multi-night or weekly trips. 

There are also the 12 commercial fishermen, who tie up at their specific float, and then are the transient voyagers who arrive on large yachts and want the most convenient dock or mooring space.

“It’s going to be busy,” Pixley said, on a rainy, clammy day in mid-June, peering into the future toward the hot days of July and August.

Just the day before, the seven day sailer skippers squeezed into Pixley’s tiny harbor master’s office and, “had the best meeting ever,” he said. “Everybody is on good terms.”

Their owners decided to form an association, share their knowledge and collectively address the business, including promotion of the cruises to tourists.

“They are collaborating and injecting vibrancy into the town’s day sailing business,” said Pixley.

The marine economy is no small potatoes to Camden. In 2016,  total harbor revenue was $248,168.

Of that:

$76,867 derived from permits and moorings

$59,575, dockage

$27,175, inner harbor floats

$14,260, dinghy permits

$20,900 from finger floats

$1,840, late fees

$5,100, waiting list fees

$450, late fees, waiting list

$13,810, day sailers

$24,891, windjammers

$3,330, fishing vessels

According to the 2017 fee breakdown:

Fishermen each pay $325 a year for a permit.

Windjammer owners each pay $4,190 annually for a permit.

And day sailer owners each pay $2,500 a year.

For Pixley and his assistant harbor master Jim Leo, the season is looking good, and everyone is ready for warm days and balmy breezes.

Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657